Single person wedge clamp

ABSTRACT

A dead-end clamp assembly for a utility conductor includes a clamp body having a base with a front end and a rear end, a first jaw guide extending from the base, and a second jaw guide extending from the base. The base, first jaw guide, and second jaw guide at least partially define a trough. A first jaw movably engages the body and a second jaw movably engages the body. The first jaw engages the second jaw such that the first and second jaws move together. A sag eye extends from the clamp body. The sag eye has an opening configured to receive a hotstick. A clevis connector extends from the rear end of the clamp body. The clevis connector is configured to receive a clevis pin so that the clevis pin is positioned below the trough.

FIELD

Various exemplary embodiments relate to a dead-end clamp or tensiondevice for attaching a utility line cable to a support.

BACKGROUND

Dead-ends are couplings used to anchor electrical transmission lines tosupporting structures such as towers or poles. Typically a dead-endconnects the power line to an insulated mount attached to the supportingstructure. Dead-ends include a mechanism for gripping the conductor ofthe power line so that the tension on the line is delivered through theinsulated mount to the supporting structure. Dead-ends are characterizedby robust construction from high strength materials to withstand thetension on power line, which may exceed several thousand pounds offorce.

Weather events, such as wind and ice may place an additional strain on atransmission lines and cause downed lines or other part failures. Incertain situations, a dead-end may need to be replaced or installedduring extreme weather events. This can be difficult given theenvironmental circumstances and the presence of live power wires.Dead-ends typically need to be installed by more than one person, whichcan limit response time in emergency situations. Accordingly, thereremains a need for a dead-end connector that can be safely installed bya single person in the presence of live power lines.

SUMMARY

According to various aspects, a dead-end clamp assembly for a utilityconductor includes a clamp body having a base with a front end and arear end, a first jaw guide extending from the base, and a second jawguide extending from the base. The base, first jaw guide, and second jawguide at least partially define a trough. A first jaw movably engagesthe body and a second jaw movably engages the body. The first jawengages the second jaw such that the first and second jaws movetogether. A sag eye extends from the clamp body. The sag eye has anopening configured to receive a hotstick. A clevis connector extendsfrom the rear end of the clamp body. The clevis connector is configuredto receive a clevis pin so that the clevis pin is positioned below thetrough.

According to various aspects, a dead-end clamp assembly for a utilityconductor includes a clamp body having a base with a front end and arear end, a first jaw guide extending from the base, and a second jawguide extending from the base. The base, first jaw guide, and the secondjaw guide at least partially define a trough. A first jaw movablyengages the body and a second jaw movably engages the body. The firstjaw engages the second jaw such that the first and second jaws movetogether. A sag eye extends from the clamp body beneath the baseopposite the trough. The sag eye has an opening configured to receive ahotstick and oriented to allow a connected hotstick to be positionedbeneath the base. A clevis connector extends from the rear end of theclamp body.

According to various aspects, a method of installing a dead-end clampassembly on a utility conductor includes positioning a clamp assemblyincluding a clamp body, a first jaw, a second jaw, a sag eye, and aclevis connector. A hotstick is connected to the sag eye. The clampassembly is moved with the hotstick, to receive a conductor. The firstjaw and second jaw are engaged with the conductor. Moving the clampassembly to receive the conductor and engaging the first jaw and secondjaw are performed using a single hotstick without requiringdisengagement of the hotstick from the sag eye.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aspects and features of various exemplary embodiments will be moreapparent from the description of those exemplary embodiments taken withreference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary clamp assembly.

FIG. 2 is a top, perspective view of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a side view of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a top view of the first and second jaws.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 is a front view of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 7 shows an installation process for the clamp of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 8 shows an installation process for the clamp of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 9 shows an installation process for the clamp of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 10 shows an installation process for the clamp of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary clamp assembly.

FIG. 12 is side view of the clamp body of FIG. 11 .

FIG. 13 is a top view of the clamp body of FIG. 11 .

FIG. 14 is a front view of the clamp body of FIG. 11 .

FIG. 15 is a top view of the jaws of FIG. 11 .

FIG. 16 is a side view of the jaws of FIG. 11 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

A wedge type, dead-end clamp assembly 100 includes a clamp body 102having a base 104 from which a first jaw guide 106 and a second jawguide 108 outwardly extend. The base 104 has a front end 110 and a rearend 112. The first and second jaw guides 106, 108 extend from the frontend 110 to the rear end 112 of the clamp body 102. A first jaw 114 and asecond jaw 116 are moveably positioned in the clamp body 102 adjacentthe respective jaw guides 106, 108 for receiving a cable or conductortherebetween. A first groove 118 is provided in the clamp body 102 forreceiving the first jaw 114. A second groove 120 is provided in theclamp body 102 for receiving the second jaw 116.

The jaws 114, 116 are movable between a rear position and a forwardposition on the clamp body 102. In certain aspects, the jaws 114, 116are moved into the rear position to receive a cable and are moved intothe forward position to engage and retain the cable in the dead-endclamp assembly 100. The jaws 114, 116 can engage the jaw guides 106, 108and the grooves 118, 120 with sufficient friction to be retained in adesired place when set by a user. In other embodiments, one or morebiasing members can be used to bias the first and second jaws into anengaged position. For example, a single biasing member (e.g., coilspring) is connected to the clamp body 102 and one of the jaws 114, 116to pull or push the jaws 114, 116 toward the front end 110 of the clampbody 102. A first keeper 107 is removably connected to the first jawguide 106 and a second keeper 109 is removably connected to the secondjaw guide 108 to engage the respective jaws 114, 116 and prevent themfrom lifting out of the clamp body 102. The first and second keepers107, 109 can include a series of slots that engage projections extendingfrom the respective jaw guide 106, 108.

The first jaw guide 106 faces the second jaw guide 108 and forms atrough 122 therebetween. The trough 122 is substantially V-Shaped withthe width of the trough 122 at the rear end 112 being larger than thewidth at the front end 110. The inner surfaces of the jaw guides 106,108are angled inwardly from the rear end 112 to the front end 110 to causethe first and second jaws 114, 116 to move toward one another as thefirst and second jaws 114, 116 move through the trough 122 toward thefront end 110 and away from each other as the jaws 114, 116 move towardrear end 112. The first and second grooves 118, 120 extend from the rearend 112 to the front end 110 of the clamp body 102. The trough 122extends along a cable axis A1 for securing a cable, such as anelectrical conductor or other utility line.

The dead-end clamp assembly 100 includes a sag eye 124 extending fromthe clamp body 102. The sag eye 124 includes a rim 126 surrounding anopening 128. The rim 126 extends from the side of the clamp body 102away from the trough 122, with the opening 128 oriented perpendicular tothe cable axis A1. The rim 126 can extend from at or near the front end110 of the clamp body to at or near the rear end 112. One or morecurvilinear and/or rectilinear walls make up the rim 126 and the opening128 can have a substantially oval shape. In certain aspects, the rim 126is configured so that the width of the opening 128 is larger in thefront portion of the sag eye 124 than a rear portion. In other aspects,the size, shape and configuration of the rim 126 and opening 128 can bevaried based on the environment of use and installation application.

The dead-end clamp assembly 100 also includes a clevis connector 130.The clevis connector includes a first leg 132 and a second leg 134extending from the rear end 112 of the clamp body 102. The first andsecond legs 132, 134 each terminate in a cylindrical opening 136. Theopenings 136 are configured to receive a bolt or pin which can include acotter opening. The clevis connector 130 is configured to receive abracket or other fastening element to connect the dead-end clampassembly 100 to a support. In certain embodiments, the legs 132, 134 areconfigured to extend below the clamp body 102 and the openings 136 areoriented below the cable axis A1 and perpendicular to the cable axis A1.The legs 132, 134 can be angled or curved to be positioned below theclamp body 102. For example, the legs 132, 134 can have a convex curveand a concave curve. Other configurations of a clevis connector may alsobe used. In certain aspects, the clamp body 102, sag eye 124, and clevisconnector 130 are integrally formed. In other embodiments, one or moreof these components can be formed separately and connected together byfasteners or a joining process (e.g., welding).

The first jaw 114 includes a first jaw body 138 having a front end 140and a rear end 142. The first jaw body 138 tapers or narrows from therear end 142 to the front end 140. The first jaw body 138 includes acurved inner surface 144. A plurality of teeth 146 are formed on theinner surface 144 and are configured to grip a cable. A ledge 148extends from the first jaw body 138 opposite the inner surface 144. Theledge 148 is configured to slidably engage the first jaw guide 106. Theledge can include an outwardly facing channel 150. One or more legs 152can extend downwardly from the first jaw body 138 to slidably engage thefirst groove 118 in the clamp body 102. For example, front and rear legs152 can extend from the first jaw body 138, although a single leg, acontinuous leg, or more than two legs can also be used. A biasing membercan be positioned inside the legs 152 and engage one of the legs 152 anda stop located in the first groove 118 to bias the first jaw 114 into anengaged position.

The second jaw 116 includes a second jaw body 154 having a front end 156and a rear end 158. The second jaw body 154 tapers or narrows from therear end 158 to the front end 156. The second jaw body 154 includes acurved inner surface 160. A plurality of teeth 162 are formed on theinner surface 160 and are configured to grip a cable. A ledge 164extends from the second jaw body 154 opposite the inner surface 160. Theledge 164 is configured to slidably engage the second jaw guide 108. Theledge 165 can include an outwardly facing channel 166. One or more legs168 can extend downwardly from the second jaw body 154 to slidablyengage the second groove 120 in the clamp body 102. For example, asingle continuous leg 168 can extend from the first jaw body, although asingle leg, or multiple legs can also be used.

A first tab 170 and a second tab 172 extend outwardly from the innersurface 144 of the first jaw body 138, and are configured to extend intothe trough 122. The first and second tabs 170, 172 can be tapered, forexample at the same angle as the first jaw body 138. A slot is formedbetween the first and second tab 170, 172. One of the tabs 170, 172includes a mating feature to assist engagement with the second jaw 116.For example, the second tab 172 can include an L-shaped notch 174.

A third tab 176 extends outwardly from the inner surface 160 of thesecond jaw body 154, and is configured to extend into the trough 122.The third tab 176 can be tapered, for example at the same angle as thesecond jaw body 154. The third tab 176 is configured to mate with theslot between the first and second tabs 170, 172. The third tab 176 canalso include a mating feature to assist engagement with the first jaw114. For example, the third tab 176 can include an L-shaped notch 178that mates with the L-shaped notch 174 on the second tab 172. Engagementof the third tab 176 with the first tab 170 or second tab 172 keys thefirst jaw 114 and the second jaw 116 together so that they can slideforward and backward in the clamp body 102 as a single unit. Engagementof the notches 174, 178 enables a user to secure the jaws 114, 116 in anopen position.

In some embodiments, a pullback interface 180 extends upward from thesecond jaw body 154 and is configured to project above the clamp body102. The pullback interface 180 includes an interface body 182 havingone or more openings. In certain embodiments the interface body 182includes a rounded projection and the openings include a circularaperture 184 and rectilinear slot 186 formed in the projection. Theopening can be configured to allow a user to engage the pullbackinterface 180 by hand or with a hot stick or other tool. Other sizes,shapes, and configurations for the interface body and openings may beused.

During an emergency situation that involves a downed utility line (e.g.,a power line) there is typically no way for a first responder, actingalone, to cut a section of a downed line without the remaining sectionsalso falling onto the ground. This is because the portion of theconductor that is still in the air would slip out of the insulator.Accordingly, a downed conductor must be tagged and then later cut andreplaced by a line crew. This process can take an extended period oftime, meanwhile the downed conductor can pose a problem to emergencypersonnel.

The dead-end clamp assembly 100 is designed to alleviate these problemsby allowing a single person (such as a first responder) to position andattach the dead-end clamp assembly 100 to secure a portion of aconductor. The dead-end clamp assembly 100 is able to be attached by asingle person using a hotstick while the line is energized, allowing fora safer installation process. A single hotstick can be used duringinstallation without requiring disengagement of the hotstick from thedead-end clamp assembly 100. When being held by the hotstick andinstalled, the legs 132, 134 of the clevis 130 are positioned so thatthey will not come into contact with the live line or interfere in theinstallation process. There is also no need to contact or shape any partof the conductor prior to the installation process.

FIGS. 7-10 show an exemplary installation process of the dead-end clampassembly 100. The dead-end clamp assembly 100 is positioned in alocation for use, such as at an emergency situation near a downed powerwire or at other utility line locations where the dead-end clampassembly 100 is needed. An insulator 200 is connected to the dead-endclamp assembly 100 through the clevis connector 130. The insulator 200can be tied to a support, such as a utility pole cross arm, using a ropeor cable 210. The jaws 114, 116 of the dead-end clamp assembly 100 areplaced in a retracted position. The jaws 114, 116 are configured toremain in place in the retracted position through a friction engagementwithout additionally input from a user. This friction engagement can be,in part, through the engagement of the legs 152, 156 and the grooves 118and 120. A hotstick 220 is connected to the sag eye 124. The dead-endclamp assembly 100 can then be hoisted until it is positioned near aconductor 230 using the rope 210, hotstick 220, or a combinationthereof.

Using the hotstick 220, the dead-end clamp assembly 100 is positioned sothat conductor 230 is positioned in the jaws 114, 116. The hotstick 220is then used to manipulate the dead-end clamp assembly 100 so that thejaws 114, 116 move forward and engage the conductor 230. A certainamount or type of movement in the dead-end clamp assembly 100 candislodge the friction engagement of one or both jaws 114, 116. In someoperations, the user can pull down and back on the hotstick 220,engaging at least one of the jaws 114, 116 with the conductor 230 andcausing the jaws 114, 116 to move toward the front end 110 of the clampbody 102. In some operations, the user can shake or jerk the clamp body102 to dislodge the jaws 114, 116 and activate the biasing member thatpulls the jaws 114, 116 forward. Once the dead-end clamp assembly 100 isengaged, a user can cut a section of the conductor 230 that is downed toremove the energized conductor on the ground. The dead-end clampassembly 100 will support the remaining section of the conductor 230 sothat is does not disengage from the utility line support assembly.

As shown, the dead-end clamp assembly 100 can be installed entirelyusing a single hotstick without other engagement of a user with theclamp body 102 or the first and second jaws 114, 116. Certain aspects ofthe installation procedure can be performed in various orders.

The legs 132, 134 of the clevis connector 130 position the attachment tothe insulator 200 below the conductor 230 so that the insulator is notin the way of the conductor 230 or of the attachment to the conductor230. Additionally, the position of the sag eye 124 allows a user toposition the dead-end clamp assembly 100 to engage the conductor 230using a single hotstick 220.

FIGS. 11-16 show another exemplary embodiment of a wedge type, dead-endclamp assembly 300 that can be installed as described above. Thedead-end clamp assembly 300 includes a clamp body 302 having a base 304.A first jaw guide 306 and a second jaw guide 308 extend outwardly fromthe clamp body 302. The base 304 has a front end 310 and a rear end 312.The first and second jaw guides 306, 308 extend from the front end 310to the rear end 312 of the clamp body 302. A first jaw 314 and a secondjaw 316 are moveably positioned in the clamp body 302 adjacent therespective jaw guides 306, 308 for receiving a cable or conductortherebetween. A first groove 318 is provided in the clamp body 302 forreceiving the first jaw 314. A second groove 320 is provided in theclamp body 302 for receiving the second jaw 316.

The jaws 314, 316 are movable between a rear position and a forwardposition on the clamp body 302. In certain aspects, the jaws 314, 316are moved into the rear position to receive a cable and are moved intothe forward position to engage and retain the cable in the dead-endclamp assembly 300. In certain embodiments, the jaws 314, 316 engage thejaw guides 306, 308 and the grooves 318, 320 with sufficient friction tobe retained in a desired place when set by a user. In certainembodiments, one or more biasing members 321 can be used to bias thefirst and second jaws into an engaged position. For example, a singlebiasing member 321 (e.g., coil spring) is connected to the clamp body302 and one of the jaws 314, 316 to pull or push the jaws 314, 316toward the front end 310 of the clamp body 302. The biasing member 321can be connected at one end to a stop 319 positioned in the first groove318 and at a second end to one of the jaws 314.

A first keeper 307 is removably connected to the first jaw guide 306 anda second keeper 309 is removably connected to the second jaw guide 308to engage the respective jaws 314, 316 and prevent them from lifting outof the clamp body 302. The first and second keepers 307, 309 can includea series of slots that engage projections extending from the respectivejaw guide 306, 308.

The first jaw guide 306 faces the second jaw guide 308 and forms atrough 322 therebetween. The trough 322 is substantially V-Shaped withthe width of the trough 322 at the rear end 312 being larger than thewidth at the front end 310. The inner surfaces of the jaw guides 306,308 are angled inwardly from the rear end 312 to the front end 310 tocause the first and second jaws 314, 316 to move toward one another asthe first and second jaws 314, 316 move through the trough 322 towardthe front end 310 and away from each other as the jaws 314, 316 movetoward the rear end 312. The first and second grooves 318, 320 extendfrom the rear end 312 to the front end 310 of the clamp body 302. Thetrough 322 extends along a cable axis A1 for securing a cable, such asan electrical conductor or other utility line.

The dead-end clamp assembly 300 includes a sag eye 324 extending fromthe clamp body 302. The sag eye 324 includes a rim 326 surrounding anopening 328. The rim 326 extends from the bottom clamp body 302 awayfrom the trough 322, with the opening 328 oriented perpendicular to thecable axis A1. The rim 326 can extend from at or near the front end 310of the clamp body to at or near the rear end 312. One or morecurvilinear and/or rectilinear walls make up the rim 326 and the opening328 can have a substantially D-shape. In certain aspects, the rim 326 isconfigured so that the width of the opening 328 is larger in the frontportion of the sag eye 324 than a rear portion. In other aspects, thesize, shape and configuration of the rim 326 and opening 328 can bevaried based on the environment of use and installation application.

The dead-end clamp assembly 300 also includes a clevis connector 330.The clevis connector includes a first leg 332 and a second leg 334extending from the rear end 312 of the clamp body 302. The first andsecond legs 332, 334 each terminate in a cylindrical opening 136. Theopenings 136 are configured to receive a bolt or pin 335 which caninclude a cotter opening to receive a cotter pin 337. The clevisconnector 330 is configured to receive a bracket or other fasteningelement to connect the dead-end clamp assembly 300 to a support. Otherconfigurations of a clevis connector may also be used. In certainaspects, the clamp body 302, sag eye 324, and clevis connector 330 areunitarily formed. In other embodiments, one or more of these componentscan be formed separately and connected together by fasteners or ajoining process (e.g., welding).

The first jaw 314 includes a first jaw body 338 having a front end 340and a rear end 342. The first jaw body 338 tapers or narrows from therear end 342 to the front end 340. The first jaw body 338 includes acurved inner surface 344. A plurality of teeth 346 are formed on theinner surface 344 and are configured to grip a cable. A ledge 348extends from the first jaw body 338 opposite the inner surface 344. Theledge 348 is configured to slidably engage the first jaw guide 306. Theledge can include an outwardly facing channel 350. One or more legs 352can extend downwardly from the first jaw body 338 to slidably engage thefirst groove 318 in the clamp body 302. For example, front and rear legs352 can extend from the first jaw body 338, although a single leg, acontinuous leg, or more than two legs can also be used. The front andrear legs 352 can be positioned in the separate parts of the firstgroove 318 on opposite sides of the stop 319. The biasing member 321 canbe connected to the stop 319 and to either the front or rear leg 352(depending on the type of biasing member) to bias the jaws 114, 116 to aclosed position.

The second jaw 316 includes a second jaw body 354 having a front end 356and a rear end 358. The second jaw body 354 tapers or narrows from therear end 358 to the front end 356. The second jaw body 354 includes acurved inner surface 360. A plurality of teeth 362 are formed on theinner surface 360 and are configured to grip a cable. A ledge 364extends from the second jaw body 354 opposite the inner surface 360. Theledge 364 is configured to slidably engage the second jaw guide 308. Theledge 365 can include an outwardly facing channel 366. One or more legs368 can extend downwardly from the second jaw body 354 to slidablyengage the second groove 320 in the clamp body 302. For example, asingle continuous leg 368 can extend from the first jaw body, although asingle leg, or multiple legs can also be used.

A first tab 370 and a second tab 372 extend outwardly from the innersurface 344 of the first jaw body 338, and are configured to extend intothe trough 322. The first and second tabs 370, 372 can be tapered, forexample at the same angle as the first jaw body 338. A slot is formedbetween the first and second tab 370, 372. One of the tabs 370, 372includes a mating feature to assist engagement with the second jaw 316.For example, the second tab 372 can include an L-shaped notch 374.

A third tab 376 extends outwardly from the inner surface 360 of thesecond jaw body 354, and is configured to extend into the trough 322.The third tab 376 can be tapered, for example at the same angle as thesecond jaw body 354. The third tab 376 is configured to mate with theslot between the first and second tabs 370, 372. The third tab 376 canalso include a mating feature to assist engagement with the first jaw314. For example, the third tab 376 can include an L-shaped notch 378that mates with the L-shaped notch 374 on the second tab 372. Engagementof the third tab 376 with the first tab 370 or second tab 372 keys thefirst jaw 314 and the second jaw 316 together so that they can slideforward and backward in the clamp body 302 as a single unit.

In some embodiments, a pullback interface 380 extends upward from thesecond jaw body 354 and is configured to project above the clamp body302. The pullback interface 380 includes an interface body 382 havingone or more openings. In certain embodiments the body includes a roundedprojection and the opening includes a circular aperture 384. The openingcan be configured to allow a user to engage the pullback interface 380by hand or with a hot stick. Other sizes, shapes, and configurations forthe interface body and openings may be used.

The foregoing detailed description of the certain exemplary embodimentshas been provided for the purpose of explaining the general principlesand practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art tounderstand the disclosure for various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Thisdescription is not necessarily intended to be exhaustive or to limit thedisclosure to the exemplary embodiments disclosed. Any of theembodiments and/or elements disclosed herein may be combined with oneanother to form various additional embodiments not specificallydisclosed. Accordingly, additional embodiments are possible and areintended to be encompassed within this specification and the scope ofthe appended claims. The specification describes specific examples toaccomplish a more general goal that may be accomplished in another way.

As used in this application, the terms “front,” “rear,” “upper,”“lower,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and other orientational descriptorsare intended to facilitate the description of the exemplary embodimentsof the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the structureof the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure to any particularposition or orientation. Terms of degree, such as “substantially” or“approximately” are understood by those of ordinary skill to refer toreasonable ranges outside of the given value, for example, generaltolerances associated with manufacturing, assembly, and use of thedescribed embodiments.

What is claimed:
 1. A dead-end clamp assembly for a utility conductor,comprising: a clamp body including a base having a front end and a rearend, a first jaw guide extending from the base, and a second jaw guideextending from the base, wherein the base, first jaw guide, and secondjaw guide at least partially define a trough; a first jaw movablyengaging the body and a second jaw movably engaging the body, the firstjaw engaging the second jaw such that the first and second jaws movetogether; a sag eye extending from the clamp body, the sag eye having anopening configured to receive a hotstick; and a clevis connectorextending from the rear end of the clamp body, the clevis connectorconfigured to receive a clevis pin so that the clevis pin is positionedbelow the trough.
 2. The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the troughat least partially defines a conductor axis and wherein the sag eyeopening is oriented orthogonal to the conductor axis.
 3. The clampassembly of claim 1, wherein the clamp body, sag eye, and clevisconnector are integrally formed.
 4. The clamp assembly of claim 1,wherein a first groove and a second groove are formed in the base, andwherein the first groove slidably receives the first jaw and the secondgroove slidably receives the second jaw.
 5. The clamp assembly of claim1, wherein the clevis connector includes a first leg and a second leg.6. The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the sag eye opening isoriented to allow a hotstick to be positioned to the side of the clampbody.
 7. The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the first jaw includes afirst tab and a second tab, the first and second tabs spaced from eachother to define a slot, and wherein the second jaw includes third tab,the third tab configured to be received in the slot when the first jawand the second jaw are assembled with the clamp body.
 8. The clampassembly of claim 7, wherein the second tab includes a first notch andthe third tab includes a second notch configured to mate with the firstnotch.
 9. The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the second jaw includesa pullback interface.
 10. The clamp assembly of claim 9, wherein thepullback interface includes a projection, an aperture formed in theprojection, and a slot formed in the projection. ii. A dead-end clampassembly for a utility conductor, comprising: a clamp body including abase having a front end and a rear end, a first jaw guide extending fromthe base, and a second jaw guide extending from the base, wherein thebase, first jaw guide, and second jaw guide at least partially define atrough; a first jaw movably engaging the body and a second jaw movablyengaging the body, the first jaw engaging the second jaw such that thefirst and second jaws move together; a sag eye extending from the clampbody beneath the base opposite the trough, the sag eye having an openingconfigured to receive a hotstick and oriented to allow a connectedhotstick to be positioned beneath the base; and a clevis connectorextending from the rear end of the clamp body.
 12. The clamp assembly ofclaim 11, wherein the trough at least partially defines a conductor axisand wherein the sag eye opening is oriented orthogonal to the conductoraxis.
 13. The clamp assembly of claim 11, wherein a first groove and asecond groove are formed in the base, and wherein the first grooveslidably receives the first jaw and the second groove slidably receivesthe second jaw.
 14. The clamp assembly of claim 11, wherein the clevisconnector includes a first leg and a second leg.
 15. The clamp assemblyof claim 11, wherein the first jaw includes a first tab and a secondtab, the first and second tabs spaced from each other to define a slot,and wherein the second jaw includes third tab, the third tab configuredto be received in the slot when the first jaw and the second jaw areassembled with the clamp body.
 16. The clamp assembly of claim 15,wherein the second tab includes a first notch and the third tab includesa second notch configured to mate with the first notch.
 17. The clampassembly of claim 11, wherein the second jaw includes a pullbackinterface.
 18. The clamp assembly of claim 17, wherein the pullbackinterface includes a projection, an aperture formed in the projection,and a slot formed in the projection.
 19. A method of installing adead-end clamp assembly on a utility conductor comprising: positioning aclamp assembly including a clamp body, a first jaw, a second jaw, a sageye, and a clevis connector; connecting a hotstick to the sag eye;moving the clamp assembly, with the hotstick, to receive a conductor;and engaging the first jaw and second jaw with the conductor, whereinmoving the clamp assembly to receive the conductor and engaging thefirst jaw and second jaw are performed using a single hotstick withoutrequiring disengagement of the hotstick from the sag eye.
 20. The methodof claim 19, wherein the sag eye extends from the clamp bodysubstantially orthogonal to the conductor.
 21. The method of claim 19,wherein the clevis connector is configured to receive a clevis pin sothat the clevis pin is positioned below the conductor when the first jawand second jaw are engaged with the conductor.
 22. The method of claim19, further comprising attaching an insulator to the clamp assemblythrough the clevis connector.
 23. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising attaching a rope to the insulator and raising the clampassembly to the conductor using the rope.